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Summary
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) allows for a consumer to opt out of credit bureaus sending your contact information to creditors and thus send you unsolicited offers.

Details on How You Can Opt Out
According to the FTC, credit bureaus are allowed to release your credit information only to people with a legitimate business need, as recognized by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). For example, a company is allowed to get your report if you apply for credit, insurance, employment, or to rent an apartment.

Additionally, credit bureaus can give your information to lenders and insurers who may use your credit file information as a basis for sending you unsolicited offers. This is often called "prescreening" (when you receive those offers from credit card companies that say you have been "preapproved" for a credit card is an example of this). Thankfully, the FTC does give you the right to opt out of these offers.

In general, you are able to opt out of these "pre-screened" junk mail offers, but you do also have the right to keep the credit reporting agencies from using your credit file in connection with any transaction that you do not initiate. The primary example being these "pre-approved" credit offers.

There is an opt-out bureau run by Equifax, Experian and Trans Union that was set up to process such consumer requests. You call the toll free number, and answer the questions, and in a few days, you should receive a letter at the address you provided in the call. The letter will ask you to verify your name and provide corrections if there are any errors. Keep in mind, this process addresses only unsolicited "pre-screenned" credit card application offers, and the like.

You can call the too free number at 1 (888) 5OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688).

If you prefer, you may notify them in writing:

• Equifax Credit Information Services
  Equifax Options
  PO Box 740123
  Atlanta, GA 30374
  
• Experian
  PO Box 919
  Allen, TX 75013
  
• Trans Union
  Marketing Opt-Out
  PO Box 97328
  Jackson, MS 39288